When evaluating privacy-focused mobile solutions, it’s important to understand the different approaches available in the market. Before diving into this comparison, we recommend understanding the broader context of device security capabilities in our guide on Going Ghost.
Here’s an objective comparison between our Ghost Phone solution and the UnPlugged Phone, highlighting the distinct technical and business model differences.
Hardware Philosophy
Ghost Phone Approach: Our Ghost Phone utilizes carefully selected refurbished hardware that delivers excellent performance while addressing environmental and cost concerns. We source high-quality refurbished devices that provide the same functionality as new hardware at significantly reduced costs—often 50% or more savings compared to new devices. Learn more about our refurbished device philosophy.
UnPlugged Phone Approach: The UnPlugged Phone is built on entirely new hardware designed specifically for their platform. In early 2025, UnPlugged announced they were open sourcing their kernel and unlocking the bootloader as steps toward greater transparency.
Key Considerations:
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Refurbished devices help reduce electronic waste and demand for new precious metal mining
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Cost savings allow customers to invest more in security training and additional privacy tools
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Performance differences between 1-2 year old flagship devices and current models are minimal for most users
Software Architecture
Ghost Phone Approach: Our solution is built on GrapheneOS, which is completely open source and auditable. This means:
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Every line of code can be independently verified by security researchers
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The community can identify and fix vulnerabilities quickly
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No “trust us” model—transparency through verifiable code
To understand the differences between open source and closed source software, you can watch our detailed explanation in the Digital Privacy Bootcamp at the 43-minute mark.
UnPlugged Phone Approach: The UnPlugged Phone utilizes proprietary, closed-source software and applications, though they have begun releasing some components as open source including their kernel and antivirus software. However, the core operating system (LibertOS) and most applications remain proprietary.
Key Considerations:
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Open source software allows for independent security audits
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Closed source requires trusting the vendor’s security claims without verification
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Open source benefits from global community contributions and faster vulnerability patches
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Partial open sourcing (like kernel-only) still requires trust for the majority of the system
For comprehensive technical analysis comparing GrapheneOS and the UnPlugged Phone, including discussion of their recent open source announcements, see these detailed breakdowns: Teachable Phones Analysis and GrapheneOS Community Discussion.
Network Compatibility
Ghost Phone Approach: Our Ghost Phone solution is carrier unlocked and works across all major US networks including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and their respective MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). This provides maximum flexibility in choosing your carrier and service plan.
UnPlugged Phone Approach: The UnPlugged Phone currently does not support the Verizon network, which means it’s also incompatible with Verizon-only MVNOs including:
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Visible
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Total Wireless
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Some Straight Talk plans (Verizon-only SIMs)
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Some TracFone plans (Verizon network only)
Note: Some MVNOs like Patriot Mobile, US Mobile, and Xfinity Mobile operate across multiple networks, so UnPlugged Phone users could potentially access these services via AT&T or T-Mobile networks where available.
Key Considerations:
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Network compatibility affects carrier choice and geographic coverage
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Verizon has the largest coverage area in many rural regions
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MVNO options provide cost-effective alternatives to major carriers
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Carrier flexibility allows users to switch providers without changing devices
Pricing and Service Model
Ghost Phone Approach:
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One-time hardware cost with no mandatory recurring fees
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Optional support and training services available
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Users own their device outright with no ongoing obligations
UnPlugged Phone Approach:
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Higher upfront hardware costs
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Monthly service contract required for full functionality
Key Considerations:
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Total cost of ownership varies significantly between approaches
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Service contract dependencies vs. complete device ownership
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Flexibility in choosing service providers and support options
App Compatibility & Ecosystem
Ghost Phone Approach:
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Extensive app compatibility through multiple app stores: Google Play Store (via sandboxed Google Play), F-Droid, Aurora Store, or direct APK installation
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Banking apps: Comprehensive compatibility tracking with community-maintained lists; most banking apps work with sandboxed Google Play, though some may require workarounds for Play Integrity API checks
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Full access to Android app ecosystem while maintaining privacy through sandboxing
UnPlugged Phone Approach:
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Limited to UP Store with smaller app selection, though claims most Android apps are compatible
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Banking app compatibility information is limited; relies primarily on proprietary UP Store ecosystem
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May require specific workarounds for apps expecting Google Play Services
Key Considerations:
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App ecosystem size and variety affects daily usability
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Banking app compatibility can be critical for many users
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Multiple app store options provide flexibility and redundancy
Hardware Security Features
Ghost Phone Approach:
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Leverages Google Pixel’s dedicated Titan M security chip for hardware-level protection
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Hardware attestation capabilities for secure app verification
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Verified boot with locked bootloader after GrapheneOS installation
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Benefits from Google’s security-focused Pixel hardware design
UnPlugged Phone Approach:
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Custom hardware with proprietary security implementations
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Claims hardware-level security features but limited independent verification available
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Hardware kill switch that physically disconnects battery from circuits
Key Considerations:
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Hardware security provides foundational protection that software cannot replicate
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Independent verification of security claims is important for trust
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Established hardware security (Pixel/Titan M) vs. proprietary implementations
Update Delivery & Security Patches
Ghost Phone Approach:
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Rapid security updates, often delivered faster than Google’s own Pixel updates
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Automatic over-the-air (OTA) updates with user control
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Transparent changelog and development process
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Security patches typically available within days of AOSP release
UnPlugged Phone Approach:
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Vendor-dependent update schedule through proprietary LibertOS
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Release notes show ongoing bug fixes and feature additions
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Update frequency and security patch timeline less predictable
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Requires trust in vendor’s update commitment and timeline
Key Considerations:
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Timely security updates are critical for device security
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Transparent update processes allow users to verify security improvements
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Long-term update support depends on vendor commitment vs. open source community
Stock Availability & Delivery
Ghost Phone Approach:
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Readily available using refurbished Pixel hardware
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No manufacturing delays or stock shortages
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Can be prepared and shipped quickly once ordered
UnPlugged Phone Approach:
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Currently out of stock with estimated delivery of mid-July 2025 (as of June 2025)
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Subject to manufacturing and supply chain constraints
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Extended wait times for new orders
Key Considerations:
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Immediate availability vs. extended wait times
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Manufacturing dependencies vs. existing hardware supply
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Ability to replace or upgrade devices when needed
Technical Implementation
Ghost Phone Technical Foundation:
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Based on GrapheneOS, recognized as the leading privacy-focused Android implementation
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Regular security updates directly from the GrapheneOS project
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Comprehensive security features including sandboxing and permission controls
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Compatible with essential apps while maintaining security
UnPlugged Phone Technical Foundation:
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Custom proprietary software stack
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Vendor-dependent update cycle
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Integrated service ecosystem
Development Transparency
Ghost Phone Development:
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Leverages the GrapheneOS project’s transparent development process
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Security features and implementations are publicly documented
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Independent security research and verification possible
UnPlugged Phone Development:
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Proprietary development process
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Limited public information about security implementations
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Requires trust in vendor security claims
Market Positioning
Both solutions address the growing demand for privacy-focused mobile devices but take fundamentally different approaches:
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Ghost Phone: Focuses on proven open-source solutions, cost-effectiveness, environmental responsibility, and universal app compatibility. The answer to “Will my app work?” is always “yes” – users have complete freedom to choose what they install while maintaining security through sandboxing.
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UnPlugged Phone: Emphasizes custom hardware and integrated service ecosystem with a curated app environment. App compatibility is limited to what’s available through their proprietary store, making the answer “maybe” depending on the specific app and UP Store availability.
Conclusion
These represent two distinct philosophies in privacy-focused mobile solutions. The Ghost Phone prioritizes transparency, cost-effectiveness, environmental responsibility, and universal app compatibility through open-source software and refurbished hardware. With GrapheneOS, any Android app can and will work on the device – the answer to app compatibility is always “yes.” Users maintain complete freedom to choose what applications they install while benefiting from GrapheneOS’s robust sandboxing for security.
The UnPlugged Phone takes a proprietary approach with custom hardware and integrated services, offering a more curated but limited app ecosystem where compatibility depends on their proprietary UP Store availability.
The choice between these approaches ultimately depends on individual priorities: those who value transparency, universal app compatibility, and auditability may prefer open-source solutions, while others may prefer integrated proprietary systems. The key differentiator is that Ghost Phone users never have to ask “Will my app work?” – they can install any Android application and take personal accountability for their choices while maintaining security through proven sandboxing technology.
Both serve the important goal of providing alternatives to mainstream mobile platforms that prioritize user privacy and security.